Logbook Requirements

This year our fair is virtual. The online exhibit has limited space. In your online exhibit, you will include general materials, some methods and your final results, but not the details of your project. This is to protect the work you have done from being copied by others. You will keep a logbook of all the work you have done for your project in detail.

You may upload a maximum of 5 pages as an example that must include the complete details of your materials, methods, and observations in pdf format. (see Logbook Musts) This will be sent to your judges only. Put your name and the name of your project on each page. Scan it if in a binder or save it as a pdf file if it is digital. Upload it where required on the virtual website. This must be uploaded by March 28.

What is a logbook?

The logbook is your record or journal of progress. It can be digital or written in a binder.
Date and number each page or entry.
Use the information in your logbook to write your final submission. Include pictures and sketches that you can use for your virtual display.

What to include in your logbook

Include brainstorming notes and background research together with reference information (where you got your information). Who or what inspired your idea.

If this is an experiment, what is your hypothesis, what are your controls and variables (dependent and independent). If it is an innovation, what problem with a current device or process are you trying to fix? If a new device or process, what is the situation you are trying to improve?

When are you going to do it? What methods might you use? Where will you get the materials? What are the safety or ethics issues you need to be aware of? What are the barriers? Who could help you if needed?

These must be uploaded to support the results and conclusions that you put in your online project. For details see Logbook Musts: Materials Methods and Observations.

Write down what you found out. What conclusions you can make? What conclusions can you not make? What further experiments do you have to do? What works, what didn’t work? Is there anything in the results you did not anticipate? What new hypothesis or idea does this lead you to? …and this may lead you back to the beginning as all good science does!

List of acknowledgements: Once you have finished, make a list of everyone who has helped you along the way. What were their contributions and how will you thank them?

Plan your exhibit: What are the key points? Summarize what you did and what you found out. Choose the best pictures to illustrate each required item. Prepare any graphs and charts that would be useful.

Prepare your video: Where will you do this? Will you use props or a background? What are the key points of your project.

Prepare your interview with some “pretend” judges and practice.

Reflect on your project – What are your proud of, What needed to be improved? Why is it important? What could it lead to?

What did you learn in general from doing the project – was it fun? Did you come up with possibilities for the future? Make a final page of what went well and what you would do differently in future fairs.